The first question you need to ask yourself is: What type of hiking will I be doing most often?

You don’t need a 70L expedition pack for a day hike, and you won’t get very far on a five-day backcountry trip with a 20L daypack. Choosing the right pack means balancing capacity, weight, and features based on the demands of your typical trips.

Day Hiking and Trail Running (15L – 35L)

If your adventures are short and sweet, a small, lightweight pack is your best bet. For day hikes (or hunts), you’re looking for a pack in the 20L to 35L range, depending on how far you’re going, how much gear you need, and the season. A day pack should have enough capacity for all the essentials: food, water, a rain jacket, a warm outer layer (in winter), a first-aid kit, and a few extras like your PLB and sunscreen.

For trail runners, fast hikers, or short side missions from camp, smaller hydration packs or running vests with built-in water reservoirs are ideal. They hug the body closely, preventing bounce while running or scrambling over rough terrain.

Recommended packs: Bushbuck Hydra X or the Bushbuck Roamer 25L Day Pack

Overnight and Weekend Trips (35L – 55L)

For overnighters or lightweight weekend trips, you’ll need a pack that can hold a sleeping bag, food, extra layers, and a camping stove. You’ll also want the option of strapping on a lightweight tent if you’re camping.

You want to choose a day pack with just enough space for the essentials but not so big that you’ll be tempted to overpack. A well-designed 40-50L pack should be able to carry everything you need for 1-2 nights in the wild.

As you may be hiking for 8+ hours with a fair amount of weight on your back, you’ll want to look for a pack with a supportive, padded harness system.

Recommended pack: Bushbuck Glacier Pack (45L) 

Multi-Day and Expedition Hiking (60L – 85L)

If you're heading out for multi-day backcountry trips where you need to carry food, a tent, a sleeping system, cooking gear, and extra clothing, you'll need a serious pack.

A 60L to 85L pack should provide all the capacity you need, but look for packs with a good range of storage compartments, pockets, sleeves, and straps for loading up and compressing your gear.

With bigger packs and longer missions, comfort is king. You’ll be carrying a lot of weight while navigating challenging terrain over long distances. Here, the harness and frame system is key. You’re looking for easy-to-adjust suspension systems, a solid frame, and proper load distribution.

Recommended pack: Bushbuck Glacier Pack (85L)

Hunting Pack

If you’re after a hunting pack, you’re best off getting a pack that’s purpose-built for hunting. Most hunting packs are very similar to hiking packs with a few extras added on.

First, you’re probably going to need top-of-the-line durability for all the bush bashing and punishment hunting packs get put through. The other main features in a hunting pack are a water-resistant load shelf for carrying meat, an ammo holder, rifle scabbard, and attachments for a binocular bag and MOLLE pouches.

You may also prefer a pack with a camouflage pattern.

Recommended pack: Bushbuck Glacier Pack (45L) or Bushbuck Glacier Pack (85L)

We covered this briefly above, but if you’re unsure about how much capacity you actually need, think about the length of your trips, your gear, and your hiking style. A well-packed 50L pack can take you further than an overloaded 70L pack, so choosing the right size is about efficiency, not just volume.

A larger pack might seem like more bang for buck, but remember—the more space you have, the more you’ll be tempted to fill it. Carrying unnecessary weight can slow you down, sap your energy, and make the experience less enjoyable.

Choosing the Right Capacity

• 10L – 25L – Best for short day hikes, running, or cycling. These small packs hold water, snacks, and a lightweight jacket—perfect for fast and light adventures.

• 25L – 35L – Ideal for full-day hikes or ultralight overnight trips. You’ll have enough room for extra layers, food, and basic emergency gear. Some minimalist hikers can squeeze in (or strap on) an overnight setup with a pack this size, including tent and sleeping bag.

• 35L – 50L – Great for hut-based weekend trips where you need to carry more clothing, gear, and food. You can also strap a tent to the outside of a well-designed pack of this size.

• 50L – 65L – The sweet spot for multi-day hikes where you’re carrying a tent, stove, layers and food. This is the most versatile size for hikers doing 2-5 day trips. Some thru-hikers, such as those doing Te Araroa in New Zealand, prefer this size for keeping weight down and gear to a minimum.

• 65L – 85L+ – Designed for heavy loads, extended treks, or off-track bush adventures. If you need to carry a week’s worth of food, extra cold-weather gear, or haul out game meat from a backcountry hunt, this is the range you’ll want.

Hiking Pack Storage and Organisation

A good hiking pack isn’t just about how much it holds—it’s about how well it holds it.

A well-designed pack lets you access what you need, when you need it, without digging through a jumbled mess. This is where compartments, pockets, and access points make all the difference.

Top-Loading vs Panel-Loading vs Roll-Top Packs

Top-loading packs are the classic style—your gear goes in from the top, usually covered by a lid. They’re lighter and more water-resistant but can be a pain when you need something buried deep inside.

Panel-loading packs have zippered front openings, allowing you to open the pack like a suitcase. These are great for organisation since you can access your gear without pulling everything out.

Roll-top packs are common among ultralight hikers and waterproof packs. Instead of a lid or zippers, the pack closes by rolling the top down and securing it with clips. This creates a watertight seal and lets you adjust the volume of the pack based on your load.

Pockets and External Storage

A good hiking pack should provide plenty of strategically-placed pockets and storage spaces so you have easy access to the things you need on the go.

• Hip belt pockets: Perfect for snacks, sunscreen, pocket knife, or GPS. If you don’t want to stop every time you need a bite to eat, these are a must-have.

• Side mesh pockets: Ideal for water bottles, wet gear, or quick-grab layers. Look for elasticised side pockets so your bottle doesn’t go flying when you bend over.

• Zippered pockets: Some hiking packs have larger zippered pockets on the outside for stashing the likes of your tripod, an extra layer of clothing, or other bulkier items.

• Brain (lid) compartment: Many top-loading packs come with a “brain” (lid pocket). Some even have two. This is the best place to store essentials like maps, headlamps, and first-aid kits. Some packs have a removable lid compartment that you can use for short side missions.

• Sleeping bag compartment: A separate bottom section lets you access your sleeping bag without unpacking everything else.

Attachment Points and Gear Loops

If you’re carrying extra gear like trekking poles, ice axes, or a sleeping mat, external attachment points are essential.

• Daisy chains and gear loops: Many high-end packs come with daisy chains—small loops sewn onto the pack to attach carabiners, climbing gear, or extra equipment.

• Trekking pole holders: If you like hiking with poles, you’re going to want a pack with hiking pole holders. There are a few different types, but most involve some kind of strap or loop system.

• Compression straps: Not only do these keep your pack compact, but they’re also handy for securing bulky gear like a foam sleeping mat or your tent.

• Ice Axe Loop: If you’re heading into the alpine zone in winter, you’ll want a pack with an ice axe loop at the bottom and a strap for the handle near the top.

• Extra Attachments: For things like MOLLE pouches or bino bags, look for webbing loops and other connection points around the shoulder straps and hip belt.

The material your hiking pack is made from plays a huge role in weight, durability, and water resistance—three of the biggest factors that determine how well your pack performs in the wild.

Let’s break down the most common hiking pack materials and what they mean for your adventures.

Nylon (Standard and Ripstop)

Weight: Medium – Light enough for extended use without sacrificing toughness Durability: High – Strong synthetic fiber, resists abrasions and tears Water Resistance: Moderate – Water-resistant when coated, but not waterproof

Nylon is by far the most common material used in modern hiking packs. It’s strong, reasonably lightweight, and holds up well against scrapes, branches, and general wear and tear.

Many high-quality packs use ripstop nylon, which has a special grid pattern woven into the fabric. This prevents small tears from spreading, making the material far more durable than standard nylon.

Cordura Nylon

Weight: Heavy – One of the heaviest fabrics, but incredibly strong. Durability: Very High – Thick, rugged, and highly abrasion-resistant. Water Resistance: Moderate to High – Tighter weave makes it more water-resistant than nylon, but still requires DWR coating

Cordura nylon is a type of ultra-durable fabric used in military, hunting, and expedition packs. If you need a pack that can take a beating in the harshest conditions, Cordura is what you want.

It's commonly found in tactical backpacks and hunting packs where durability is prioritized over weight savings. However, for most hikers, Cordura is overkill—unless you’re bashing through dense bush or carrying extremely heavy loads.

Some hiking packs use Cordura in high-wear sections, such as the base, while using nylon for the rest of the pack.

Dyneema (Cuben Fiber)

Weight: Extremely Light – One of the lightest pack materials available. Durability: Moderate – Exceptionally strong for its weight, but more prone to abrasion damage than heavier fabrics. Water Resistance: Very High – Naturally waterproof, no need for coatings.

Dyneema, also known as Cuben Fiber, is commonly used in ultralight hiking packs. It’s an incredibly strong fabric that is completely waterproof, making it ideal for lightweight and minimalist packs.

However, Dyneema is not as abrasion-resistant as Cordura or ripstop nylon. If dragged over rocks or caught on branches, it can puncture more easily than heavier-duty fabrics. It’s also one of the most expensive pack materials on the market.

Polyester

Weight: Medium – Similar to standard nylon but slightly heavier. Durability: Medium – Less durable than nylon or Cordura. Water Resistance: Moderate – Often treated with coatings to improve water resistance.

Polyester is common in budget-friendly hiking packs and some lighter-duty daypacks. It’s cheaper to produce than nylon, but it’s not as strong or as abrasion-resistant.

Many entry-level hiking packs use high-denier polyester with a PU (polyurethane) coating to improve water resistance, but it’s still not as tough as ripstop nylon.

If you’re just starting out and don’t want to spend a fortune, a polyester pack is fine for casual hikes. But for serious multi-day trekking, nylon or Dyneema is a better investment.

Are hiking packs waterproof?

Most hiking packs are water-resistant, but not fully waterproof. While many packs are made from coated nylon or polyester that repels light rain, prolonged exposure to heavy rain will eventually soak through seams and zippers.

For full protection, most hiking packs either come with a built-in rain cover or have one available to buy separately. A rain cover is lightweight, easy to pack, and essential for wet-weather hiking.

If you’re expecting constant rain or river crossings, consider using a pack liner or dry bags inside your pack to keep your gear completely dry.

Even the lightest, most feature-packed hiking pack will feel like a burden if it’s not comfortable and doesn’t fit right. Comfort isn’t just about soft padding—it’s about how well the pack transfers weight to your hips, supports your back, and moves with your body.

If your pack is uncomfortable, you’ll be constantly adjusting straps, shifting weight, and counting down the minutes until you can take it off. Get the fit right, and your pack will feel like an extension of your body, allowing you to hike further, longer, and with less fatigue.

Which size hiking pack should I get?

Some hiking packs come in multiple sizes, while others have highly adjustable harnesses to suit most body types. Some brands also offer women’s-specific packs, which are designed to better fit female body shapes.

However, when it comes to choosing the right size hiking pack, it really boils down to two simple measurements to achieve the optimal fit.

How to Measure for a Proper Fit

The first step in getting a comfortable pack is choosing one that matches your body size and shape. The two most important measurements are:

1. Torso Length

Your torso length—not your height—determines how a pack will fit. A tall person with a short torso may need a smaller pack, while a shorter person with a long torso may need a larger one.

How to Measure:

1. Find the C7 vertebra—the bony lump at the base of your neck.

2. Place your hands on your hips—the pointy bits where the bones stick out.

3. Measure the distance between these two points.

Most pack manufacturers have adjustable harnesses to fine-tune the fit. This ensures the shoulder straps and hip belt are set to the right height for your body. Getting the right torso size to start with makes all the difference.

2. Hip Belt Fit

Your hips should carry around 70-80% of your pack’s weight. The hip belt should sit on the bony part of your hips (iliac crest), not your stomach or your bum.

Signs of a Good Fit:

• The hip belt feels secure but doesn’t dig in.

• Most of the weight is resting on your hips, not pulling on your shoulders.

• You can still breathe and move freely.

If the hip belt is too loose, your shoulders will take too much strain. If it’s too tight, it will cause discomfort and chafing on long hikes.

Hiking Pack Comfort Features

How do you know if a hiking pack’s going to be comfortable before you load it up and go hiking? These are the key features to look for:

1. Shoulder Straps & Load Distribution

Your shoulders should carry no more than 20% of your pack’s total weight. The main job of the shoulder straps is to stabilise the pack, not support its full weight. Well-designed shoulder straps and load distribution features help to ensure most of the weight is carried on your hips.

What to look for:

• Contoured and Padded Straps: A well-designed shoulder harness follows the natural shape of your shoulders and chest. Straps should be padded enough to prevent pressure points, but not so bulky that they restrict movement.

• Load Lifters (Angle Adjustment Straps): These small straps connect the top of the shoulder straps to the top of the pack and should sit at a 45-degree angle. Adjusting these pulls the weight closer to your body, preventing the pack from pulling you backward. When you’re hiking uphill you can loosen them slightly to keep the weight distributed over your hips as much as possible.

• Sternum Strap: The chest strap helps stabilise the shoulder straps and prevents them from sliding off. It should sit just below your collarbone, tight enough to hold the straps in place without restricting breathing.

If your shoulders hurt after an hour of hiking, your hip belt isn’t taking enough weight. Adjust the hip belt first, then fine-tune the shoulder straps and load lifters.

2. The Hip Belt

The hip belt is the most critical part of load transfer. Without it, all the weight sits on your shoulders, leading to fatigue, soreness, and poor posture.

What to look for:

• Wide and Well-Padded: A thicker, more structured hip belt distributes weight more evenly. Thin, flimsy hip belts are fine for daypacks, but for heavy loads, you need a properly cushioned belt with reinforced structure.

• Adjustable Fit: Some hip belts are interchangeable or adjustable, meaning you can get a perfect fit for your waist size. If you’re very slim or have a larger frame, make sure the hip belt can cinch tightly enough without excess slack.

• Pivoting or Floating Hip Belts: Some high-end packs have pivoting hip belts that move with your body, improving comfort on uneven terrain.

Tip: When adjusting your pack, always tighten the hip belt first, then adjust the shoulder straps, load lifters, and sternum strap.

3. Back Panel and Ventilation

A good back panel provides support, padding, and ventilation. If your pack sits directly against your back with no airflow, you’ll get hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable. 

What to look for:

• Foam Back Panels with Ventilation: These have strategically placed air channels to improve airflow while maintaining close contact for stability. For example, our Glacier Pack range has dual-layer foam with airmesh for comfort and breathability.

• Suspended Mesh: Some packs have a trampoline-like structure on the back to create a gap that allows for airflow. These are great for hot weather, but can sometimes affect weight distribution for heavier loads.

• Minimalist Foam Pads: Common in ultralight packs, these provide basic support without adding bulk. Some ultralight hikers prefer frameless packs with just a foam insert, but these are only comfortable with lighter loads.

The frame of your pack determines how well it carries weight, stabilises your load, and reduces strain on your body. While internal frames dominate the market, modern external frame designs—especially those incorporating lightweight carbon fiber—are making a serious comeback for hikers, hunters, and heavy-load carriers alike.

Internal Frame Packs

• Probably the most common type of frame system

• Made from aluminium, carbon fibre, or plastic

• Built into the back panel of the pack

• Keeps weight close to your body for balance

• Offers good support without being bulky

External Frame Packs

• Uses a rigid external frame (often aluminium or carbon fibre) with the pack secured to it

• Keeps the load stable and upright, reducing fatigue over long distances

• Better airflow between your back and the pack, preventing overheating

• Highly adjustable and modular, helping to ensure an optimal fit 

• Capable of carrying heavier loads 

• Excellent strength-to-weight ratio, especially with carbon fibre frames 

Frameless Packs

• No rigid frame—uses a foam back panel or no structure at all

• Extremely lightweight, but only comfortable with loads under 10kg

• Requires careful packing to prevent discomfort

• Popular with ultralight hikers 

Pack Up and Move Out

Choosing the right hiking pack isn’t just about litres and features—it’s about finding the right fit for your body and your adventures. Now that you know what to look for, you’re ready to make an informed choice and invest in a pack that will carry you through long days on (or off) the trail.

Whether you’re setting out on a short day hike or tackling a multi-day backcountry trek, the right pack will make all the difference. 

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